CCCIA to host Hard Hat Hold’em Friday at Westin Resort at Marina Village

July 17, 2013

It will be time to shuffle-up and deal this Friday at the Westin Resort at Marina Village when the Cape Coral Construction Industry Association hosts its sixth annual Hard Hat Hold'em poker tournament.

Registration is at 5:30 p.m., with dinner at 6 before the cards fly at 7.

Moe Beneke, executive director of the CCCIA, said the event grew from the fact nothing much happened in July in Cape Coral, and this event gave members something fun to do.

"We didn't have dinner meeting and many were on vacation, and we felt a poker tournament was a big way to stay connected with the members," Beneke said.

The event has since been opened to the public, and this year it will help the Cape Coral Caring Center with its food drive, Beneke said, with all the tip money and some of the pot proceeds going to the center.

As an incentive, anyone who comes with a non-perishable food item or cash will get an extra $100 in chips.

"In general, it's a laid back, fun event that the members really enjoy. It opens us up to more than the construction industry," Beneke said.

The event is limited to 100 players, with nearly two-thirds already signed up. Beneke said she expects many last-minute players, since the event has sold out previously.

It's $85 to play, with spectators charged $30. Each players will get $10,000 in poker chips (an early sign-up would have gotten them more). You cannot buy back in, as you can at other charity events, and it's last man standing, which means the tournament can last all night, if need be.

The price for players includes dinner, and free beer and wine for those still playing.

Last year, Toni Safford of Safford Cleaning Services won the event. She is playing this year as well.

As far as sponsors, Storm Smart and Cape Coral Plumbing are the main sponsors, with nearly all the sponsorships filled with the exception of three table sponsors, which are $250, Beneke said.

"It's a great night. It benefits the CCCC, it loosens things up for our organization because school is coming back and we'll get back to the routine of dinner meetings again," Beneke said.